The city was denied funds by the federal government last February under the TIGER program (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery).

But a second TIGER program found some money for the bridge. The $13.9 million will come from a TIGER II grant. These grants are discretionary and are "awarded on a competitive basis for projects that will have a significant impact on the Nation, a metropolitan area or a region," according to the federal register announcement.

Dingell's office issued a statement saying:

"The Ann Arbor Bridges project serve as an example of how critical infrastructure projects are to economic development in Southeast Michigan. Michigan cannot continue to attract new business development without making our communities safe and accessible to future employers..."